I know a breeder who can supply me with proof that the babies where bred and hatched in captivity with photos. According to the breeder, I do not need a permit until the babies are 3 years of age.

What are your thoughts about the above? Is the seller doing anything illegal? The shop owner at a pet store told me that I could get fined R12 000.00 each if I were to get caught with them. I am in the process of contacting the breeder to ask him for a copy of the permits of the parents. Is buying them this way illegal and what else can I do to make sure everything is legal?

All tortoises require permits no matter which province you are in or how old they are. If the "breeder" has permits he would know this. Fake permits have also been involved in some of these scams so confirm that they are real first.